Description
These Cranberry Bourbon Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer made with juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky cranberry bourbon sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings or parties!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen homestyle meatballs
- 1 (14 oz) can jellied cranberry sauce
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (preferably hickory or smoky flavored)
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or slow cooker, add the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar if using.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cranberry sauce has melted and the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thickened.
- Alternatively, cook on low in a slow cooker for 3-4 hours or until fully heated.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or over rice or mashed potatoes for a main dish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- You can substitute turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your party size.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
